C
ompass expands its footprint in Chicago by opening a new South Side office. The move comes after the company sold five Chicagoland North Shore locations to a REMAX franchise, a divestiture that followed Compass’s earlier acquisitions of @properties and Christie's International Real Estate. The new office is the former Town Realty Chicago, a seven‑agent team that served Beverly, Morgan Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Under the Compass banner it now operates as Town Group, led by founders Meg Mulrenin and Matt McGinnis. Mulrenin, who brings more than a decade of real‑estate experience, grew the firm into the largest independent brokerage in its coverage area. In 2024 the team closed roughly $30 million in sales. “Our priority has always been to serve our clients at the highest level,” Mulrenin said. “We know every block, and many of the homes, because this is where we grew up and where we still live.” She added that joining Compass lets the team combine local knowledge with industry‑leading tools to better serve clients and the community.

    In Florida, Compass announced the addition of a 78‑person team in Boca Raton. The Champagne & Parisi group, founded in 2011 by Claude Champagne and Caesar Parisi, specializes in luxury waterfront homes and condominiums. Their combined experience exceeds 50 years, and they are known for integrity, local market expertise and an innovative approach to sales and marketing. CEO Robert Reffkin highlighted the team on Instagram, noting that the partnership will strengthen Compass’s presence in South Florida’s luxury market.

    Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group has acquired Don Peterson & Associates, expanding its reach across the greater Omaha metro area. The transaction brings together ten offices and nearly 400 affiliated sales associates in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. Don Peterson & Associates, founded in 1956, operates four offices northwest of Omaha and offers residential real estate, land development, commercial real estate and property management services. Led by 20‑year industry veteran Jennifer Bixby, the brokerage will now operate as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Don Peterson & Associates. Bixby explained that as the firm approached its 70th year, joining a national franchise would preserve its legacy while providing a powerful combination of local knowledge and expanded resources to elevate the client experience. Tom Simmons, broker/owner of BHGRE The Good Life Group, emphasized that both he and Bixby share a commitment to client service, integrity and professionalism, which he believes will drive success into 2026 and beyond.

    Michael Saunders & Company, a 650‑agent firm serving Florida’s Gulf Coast, has added The Castro Group to its roster in Bradenton. The team is led by Cheri Castro, a decade‑long agent and host of the “The American Dream” lifestyle TV show. The addition will strengthen the brokerage’s presence in Manatee County. Castro said the move represents an exciting and pivotal time for her, noting that the firm’s processes, systems, marketing and agent support allow her to elevate and refine the client experience beyond what she could achieve before. Further south in Sarasota, former Michael Saunders agent Jaya Brossard has rejoined the firm. Brossard, who specializes in relocation services, began her decade‑long real‑estate career with the brokerage and has developed deep expertise spanning Sarasota and Manatee counties. The company cited Michael Saunders & Company’s respected local brand and collaborative culture as key factors in Brossard’s return, and she said the support, camaraderie and mentorship helped shape the agent she is today.

    Portside Real Estate Group, an independent brokerage with more than 200 agents across Maine and New Hampshire, announced the addition of Aaron Rouse as associate broker. Rouse, licensed in both states, began his career in the mortgage industry as a loan officer and underwriter. As a real‑estate agent, he sought a firm with shared values and a community focus—something he found at Portside. “I wanted to be a part of a group that is committed to helping their communities and improving the lives of everyone they serve,” Rouse said in a news release. “When I met Portside Founder Dava Davin, I saw what dedication looks like and realized I found my people.”